Learn more about urinary tract infection (UTI) with MainStreet Family Care. From causes and symptoms to treatment and prevention, find out everything you need to know about UTIs.

What is a UTI?

Before we define a UTI, let’s look at the urinary tract. Your urinary system consists of an upper and lower section that work together to make, store, and get rid of urine.

The upper part of your urinary tract includes:

  • Kidneys – filter waste from your blood and turn it into urine.
  • Ureters – carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder.

The lower part of your urinary tract includes:

  • Bladder – stores urine until you pee.
  • Urethra – carries urine from the bladder to exit your body.

UTI is a broad term for an infection in any part of your urinary tract. These infections are very common, with more than 8 million people diagnosed with at least one UTI each year. Depending on what part of your urinary tract is infected, there are three different types of infection.

  • Urethritis – infection of the urethra.
  • Cystitis – infection of the bladder.
  • Pyelonephritis – infection of the kidneys.

Your healthcare provider may refer to your UTI as uncomplicated or complicated.

  • An uncomplicated UTI is an infection of the lower urinary tract that responds to oral antibiotics.
  • A complicated UTI is an infection that does not respond to oral antibiotics or an infection that has spread to your kidneys (pyelonephritis).

What Causes UTIs?

UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. The urinary tract is designed to flush out bacteria with urination, but sometimes this fails.

The bacteria may remain in the urethra, travel up into the bladder, or even further up the ureters into the kidneys. The most common source of bacteria is from the rectum or skin.

Women are at higher risk of UTIs because their urethra is shorter, and bacteria can easily transfer from the rectum to the urethra when wiping. Approximately 60 percent of women and 12 percent of men will have a UTI during their lifetime.

Additional risk factors for UTIs include:

  • Birth control: Using condoms, diaphragms, and spermicide increases your risk for UTIs. The most likely cause is the transfer of bacteria from your hands when placing these items.
  • Diabetes: Sugar in your urine creates a breeding ground for bacteria to grow.
  • Feminine products: Using sanitary napkins or tampons with deodorants, douches, and feminine powders may introduce bacteria.
  • Menopause: Less estrogen can cause changes in your urinary tract and increase your risk for UTIs.
  • Sexual activity: Bacteria may be introduced into the urethra during sexual activity.
  • Urinary procedures: If you have had a urinary catheter, exam, or surgery, there is a risk of introducing bacteria into your urinary tract.
  • Urinary tract obstructions: An enlarged prostate or kidney stones may prevent you from emptying your bladder and increase your risk for bacterial growth in the trapped urine.

What Are UTI Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of a UTI include:

  • Burning when you pee
  • Cloudy urine
  • Feeling a strong urge to pee often
  • Peeing small amounts of urine
  • Strong-smelling urine

Depending on the type of UTI, you may have additional symptoms. For example:

  • Infection in the urethra may cause a discharge.
  • Infection in the bladder may cause blood in the urine, pelvic pain, or lower abdominal pain.
  • Infection in the kidneys may cause back or side pain, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Older adults may not have these common symptoms. Frequently, older adults have symptoms of confusion and feeling agitated or irritated.

How Are UTIs Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms and health history. They will analyze your urine sample for signs of infection, such as the presence of:

  • Bacteria
  • Red blood cells
  • White blood cells

Your healthcare provider will send your urine sample to the lab for a urine culture. This test shows what type of bacteria is causing your UTI and which antibiotic will be the most effective to treat it.

If you have recurrent UTIs, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing to examine your urinary tract anatomy for clues about why your UTIs keep coming back. Tests may include an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of your urinary tract. They may also recommend a cystoscopy. This procedure allows your healthcare provider to see the lining of your urethra and bladder.

How are UTIs Treated?

If you have a urinary tract infection, your provider will prescribe antibiotics to treat it. The type of antibiotic prescribed depends on the type of bacteria causing your UTI.

It is important that you take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to kill all the bacteria, even if you feel better after a few days of treatment. Stopping antibiotics early may cause your symptoms to return or make you antibiotic resistant.

You may also need over-the-counter or prescription medications for pain or bladder spasms.

Complicated UTIs, such as severe kidney infections or UTIs that do not go away with oral antibiotics, may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics. If left untreated, UTIs can develop into a potentially life-threatening systemic infection called sepsis, which often requires hospitalization for IV fluids and medication.

What Prevents UTIs?

UTIs can be painful and frustrating, especially when they occur frequently. We have some helpful tips to reduce your risk of UTIs.

Birth Control Alternatives

Using condoms, diaphragms, and spermicide increases the risk for UTIs in some people. If these are your preferred methods, be vigilant about washing your hands prior to applying and removing them to prevent introducing bacteria from your hands to your genital area. If you continue to develop UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives, such as birth control pills.

Cranberry Products

The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends drinking cranberry juice and over-the-counter cranberry extract supplements for the prevention of UTIs. The evidence is stronger for cranberry supplements.

Drink Up

Drink at least six to eight glasses of water each day. Drinking plenty of water will help you pee more and flush bacteria out of your urinary tract.

Empty Your Bladder

Urine is a waste product, so it is important to pee frequently. When you feel the urge to pee, don’t hold it.

Remember to pee before and after sexual activity. Bacteria may enter your urethra during sex, and peeing will help flush it out.

Feminine Practices

Avoid using feminine products such as deodorants, douches, and powders. Change your tampon or sanitary napkin frequently during your menstrual cycle to prevent bacteria.

Keep it Loose

Bacteria like to grow in moist environments. Wearing tight clothing and underwear made of synthetic fabrics can create these conditions and make it easier for bacteria to grow. Consider wearing loose-fitting pants and cotton underwear to reduce the risk of bacteria entering your urethra.

Wipe This Way

Wiping from the back to the front after peeing can transfer bacteria from your rectum to your urethra. Make a habit of wiping from the front to the back to reduce this risk.

Turn to MainStreet Family Care

Have symptoms of a UTI? MainStreet primary care services can help!

Schedule an appointment today. We’re open seven days a week, with extended hours and a lab on site. We can often schedule same-day or next-day appointments!